3 Edmonton Oilers expected to be cut from Team Canada Olympic roster
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
4 Edmonton Oilers players were in the conversation to make Team Canada's squad for the 2026 Olympics, but now it appears only one will be headed to Italy.
Just before training camp, Team Canada invited Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to their orientation camp. They were squarely under consideration, but unfortunately the early season results haven't been great.
3 Oilers expected to miss Team Canada Olympic Roster, McDavid will play
It's quite obvious that at least Connor McDavid will make the team as the best player in the NHL, but it doesn't look like good news for the other Oilers' invitees.
According to new projections from Daily FaceOff's Matt Larkin, the rest of the Oilers will likely be cut from Canada. Evan Bouchard may have been the one with most consideration after 2 incredibly strong playoffs, but his early season play has raised doubts.
Larkin: I understand that Evan Bouchard didn't make the 4 Nations team and has played worse this season so far, but I wish he'd get stronger consideration. His all-around game is underrated, the mental errors and highlight-reel blunders seemingly overshadowing all the good things he does, and his shot would be a weapon on the power play.
Ellis: Is Bouchard good enough for best on best competition? Many don't think so. But if you limit his defensive responsibilities and let him focus on adding a bit of offensive punch if things go south, he can get the job done. If Schaefer doesn't make the cut, I could see Bouchard being the No. 8 defender they call upon to play on the second power play.
Ellis: Is Bouchard good enough for best on best competition? Many don't think so. But if you limit his defensive responsibilities and let him focus on adding a bit of offensive punch if things go south, he can get the job done. If Schaefer doesn't make the cut, I could see Bouchard being the No. 8 defender they call upon to play on the second power play.
Zach Hyman missing the beginning of the year with an injury has unfortunately hurt his stock to make the team. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has had a strong start to the year, and still could make the team as a bottom-six specialist player, but he was a longshot initially.
Hopefully Team Canada makes some different choices than their current projected roster to take more Oilers, but if not, Connor McDavid will still be fighting his best to win a Gold Medal.
TRENDING NOW
